Diuretic Drugs (before midterm) Flashcards
Which is a true statement about carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs)?
a. CAIs induce metabolic alkalosis.
b. CAIs can elevate the blood glucose level in diabetic patients.
c. CAIs are contraindicated in the presence of glaucoma.
d. CAIs are effective as prolonged therapy for seizures.
ANS: B
An adverse effect of the CAIs is that they elevate the blood glucose level and cause glycosuria in patients with diabetes. The CAIs induce metabolic acidosis, are indicated for narrow-angle glaucoma, and their effectiveness for treatment of seizures decreases in a short time.
Patients who are placed on spironolactone (Aldactone®) should be assessed continuously for which condition? a. Hypokalemia
b. Hyperkalemia
c. Hyponatremia
d. Hypercalcemia
ANS: B
Hyperkalemia may occur with administration of potassium-sparing diuretics.
The physician has ordered mannitol (Osmitrol®) for a patient. How should this drug be administered?
a. Intravenously, through a filter
b. By rapid intravenous (IV) bolus
c. 20 to 80 mg orally (PO) daily, in a single morning dose
d. By oral or IV route, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition
ANS: A
Mannitol should be administered via IV infusion, through a filter. It is not available in an oral form.
A patient with a new prescription for furosemide (Lasix®) is being discharged. What should the nurse say to this patient concerning this new prescription?
a. “Keep a weekly journal or log of your weight.”
b. “Avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, fresh vegetables, and
dates.”
c. “If you experience weight gain, such as 2.3 kg or more a week, be sure to tell
your physician during your next routine visit.”
d. “Be sure to change your body position slowly and rise slowly after sitting or
lying. Making slow movements will prevent dizziness and possible fainting because of blood pressure changes.”
ANS: D
Orthostatic hypotension is a possible problem with diuretic therapy. A daily log of weight should be kept, foods high in potassium should be eaten more often, and a weight gain of 2.3 kg or more a week should be reported immediately.
Which statement is true of loop diuretics?
a. They are also called aldosterone-inhibiting diuretics.
b. They are very potent, providing a diuretic effect that lasts at least 6 hours.
c. Because their onset of action is rapid, they are particularly useful when rapid
diuresis is desired.
d. They have the disadvantage of ceasing to be effective when creatinine clearance
decreases below 25 mL per minute.
ANS: C
Loop diuretics have a rapid onset of action; therefore, they are useful when rapid onset is desired.
The nurse is teaching a patient about using hydrochlorothiazide. The nurse should ensure the patient knows to be cautious when taking which medication with hydrochlorothiazide?
a. digitalis
b. Antacids
c. Potassium supplements
d. Over-the-counter Aspirin preparations
ANS: A
Hydrochlorothiazide therapy may lead to hypokalemia, which can put the patient at an increased risk of digitalis toxicity.
The manifestations of potassium deficiency include which condition? a. Dyspnea
b. Diarrhea
c. Weakness
d. Hypertension
ANS: C
Weakness is a manifestation of hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
A patient is being discharged home on a single daily dose of a diuretic. So that there will be no unnecessary disruptions to the patient’s daily routine, the health care provider instructs the patient to take the dose at what time?
a. In the morning
b. At noon
c. With supper
d. At bedtime
ANS: A
Diuretic medication should be taken early in the morning to prevent urination at nighttime.
When a patient is receiving diuretic therapy, what best reflects the patient’s fluid volume status? a. Moisture of mucous membranes
Ob. Serum potassium and sodium levels
c. Intake, output, and daily weight
d. Abdominal girth and calf circumference
ANS: C
Intake, output, and daily weights are the best reflections of a patient’s fluid volume status.
A patient is started on a diuretic for antihypertensive therapy. The nurse expects that a drug in which class is to be used initially?
a. Loop diuretics
b. Osmotic diuretics
c. Thiazide diuretics
d. vasodilators
ANS: C
The Canadian Hypertension Education Program recommends diuretics, especially the thiazides, as one option for first-line drug treatment of hypertension.
A patient in the neurological Critical Care Unit is being treated for cerebral edema. Which drug is the patient likely to be given to reduce intracranial pressure?
a. A loop diuretic
Ob. An osmotic diuretic c. A thiazide diuretic d. A vasodilator
ANS: B
Mannitol (Osmitrol®), an osmotic diuretic, is used to reduce intracranial pressure and cerebral edema resulting from head trauma
